Ed Sheeran owns Ipswich Town’s number 17 shirt, even though he has never kicked a ball professionally. The Grammy-winning singer isn’t just any celebrity supporter — he’s deeply invested in his beloved Tractor Boys. In August 2024, Sheeran bought a 1.4% stake in the club, strengthening his bond with Ipswich Town.
Before becoming a part-owner, Sheeran had already made his mark as one of the most memorable Ipswich Town sponsors, serving as the club’s main shirt sponsor from 2021 through the previous season. As a token of appreciation, the club gave him a squad number in 2021, choosing 17 to represent his birthday, February 17, 1991. Since then, the Ed Sheeran shirt with number 17 has appeared on Ipswich’s official squad list every season, building a unique tradition.
The only break in this run came during the 2024 Premier League campaign, when league regulations forced a change. Still, Ipswich Town ensured Sheeran could keep his honorary number in lower divisions, balancing tradition with rule compliance.
Commercially, the impact has been huge. The Ipswich Town football t shirt featuring “Sheeran 17” has outsold every other player’s jersey for the past four seasons. Fans clearly love wearing their favourite musician’s name on their backs.
Ed Sheeran’s Ipswich story proves that passion, star power, and clever marketing can create something special — benefiting both the club and its supporters
